Mountain View, CA (December 5, 2024) – The Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC), a 501c6 corporation focused on bringing world-class events to the Bay Area and uniting the region through sport, today announced a partnership with Tipping Point, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty in the Bay Area, on an employment program designed to create pathways toward more stable, quality job opportunities for communities that experience workforce barriers.
The “Bridge to Work” program will connect its participants directly to jobs created by marquee events the BAHC has helped bring to the Bay Area, including NBA All-Star 2025, Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup 26TM. Additionally, the program will benefit participants by offering career services and resources and providing the potential for more stable job pathways afterward.
“Success for us is about making a lasting impact on our community,” said Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. “This program is not just about filling jobs; it’s about investing in our region.”
Bridge to Work will leverage the combined strengths of local sports teams, professional sports leagues and community organizations to forge pathways into stable, higher-paying jobs for underserved communities in the region. The BAHC will oversee Bridge to Work’s success with a core focus on amplifying its efforts, while Tipping Point will serve as the program’s core orchestrator and stakeholder convener.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Bay Area Host Committee on this important initiative,” said Sam Cobbs, CEO of Tipping Point. “This work sets a precedent for how sports can catalyze community development.”
Bridge to Work’s strategy seeks to utilize the appeal of sports to address systemic barriers that limit economic mobility opportunities, such as mitigating bias in hiring. Alongside NBA All-Star 2025, Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup 26TM, the program aims to support approximately 500 individuals, helping to fill critical event roles in areas such as guest services, hospitality and access control. Participants will receive technical and soft skills training, career navigation services, wraparound support (e.g., transportation assistance) and access to an alumni network as the program grows. Program participants will be selected via program partners (e.g., existing local workforce organizations), and the program will leverage the expertise, infrastructure and reach of these local high-impact organizations.
“The NFL is excited to welcome participants recruited through the Bridge to Work program,” said Anna Isaacson, senior vice president of social responsibility for the NFL. "This initiative not only enhances the fan experience but also provides meaningful opportunities for individuals to gain valuable skills and career experience at one of the world’s biggest sporting events.”
After an event concludes, program participants will continue to be supported in gaining access to stable, higher-paying job pathways deemed “advancement pathways” through ongoing services and interventions provided by program partners. Advancement pathways will be in sectors with strong earning potential jobs projected to be in high demand over the coming years. The BAHC will also leverage its existing relationships with local sports teams, venues and other Bay Area companies to create job pathways for participants.
“Our goal is to test an approach that could transform event-based employment, often temporary, into longer-term stable career opportunities across sectors where high labor demand is forecasted,” added Janmohamed.
The initial pilot is set to launch during NBA All-Star 2025 in February 2025. As the Bay Area prepares to host global sporting events, it presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to substantially impact the community.
In partnership with Tipping Point, the BAHC is shaping the Bridge to Work program alongside its board of directors and advisory board whose leadership roles with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), San Jose State University (SJSU) and the Bay Area's professional sports teams, will help to secure meaningful job opportunities across the region's workforce.
The BAHC and Tipping Point are actively seeking partners and investors ready to collaborate and contribute. This unique initiative enables the collective effort to expand the program's reach and enhance its effectiveness, creating additional benefits for the entire Bay Area community.
“We invite local businesses, investors and community leaders to join us in this effort. Together, we can build a more prosperous future for all community members,” added Cobbs.
Please contact impact@bayareahostcommittee.com for more information on how to get involved or contribute to this transformative initiative.